Best "mid price" scope for long range AR-15

[hartofthethumb]

Putting together some precision(hopefully) AR-15s. Hoping to stretch their legs out to 600+ yards from time to time and want the best choice of optic to accomplish that, accurately and consistently, without going too crazy on price. I realize you get what you pay for in optics as a general rule, so
I'm not asking for the best. Basically I want to put on the best scopes that can be had around the $600 mark or under, $700 as an absolute cap.

So far I've been looking at some of the Mark AR Leupolds, the M223 and some of the other Nikons with custom turrets, the Vortex viper hs-t, Burris c4 plus...

Any good or bad experience with these, or anything else that should be on my radar? Tell me what I should look at and what makes it great.

Thanks for any and all replies!

[XDM 40 cal]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home/New-Optics%7C/pc/105625080/c/112107780/Nikonreg-Monarch-3-Riflescope-with-Custom-XR-Turret/1595395.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fnew-optics%2F_%2FN-1106366%2B4294081309%2FNe-4294081309%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat112107780

I'm not a expert, just a suggestion.

[spiritzerothree]

This is what i run on my Mk12 Mod 1 clone (couldn't find the NSW Spec Niteforce for a decent price). Works phenomenal!, Took the rifle up to MTC last weekend, was able to see clearly a prairie dog steel target at 1050yds, and banging steel out to 700 was almost boring it was so easy. I know you said $700 cap, but take a little longer to save another $100 - you won't regret it.

http://swfa.com/Vortex-25-10x32-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P60984.aspx

[Jungle George]

The Nikon M223 will easily get you there. You'll also have a choice of reticle as well as magnification range. With your budget you can also easily get a very nice mount and rings.

If you get the Natchez catalog they sell refurbished scopes at a significant discount. The downside is that the warranty is only 30 days but the plus side is the savings plus you get a scope that has been verified to work properly.

Midway also puts the Nikon M series on sale on a fairly regular basis with free shipping.

[IMR7828]

+1 for Vortex glass. In my experience, they're plenty sturdy and for the price, you can't beat them.

[Draken]

I have been having fun with my Vortex Viper on my 300 win mag, and my buddy has one on his ar-10...we are getting our 600 yard range setup this week, but I know at 300 its simple to ring steel and is very clear.

[cmr19xx]

I put this on a .243 Savage Model 10 and have been really pleased out to 500 yards. I don't have any experience with the C4, but I'm impressed with Burris.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/burris-fullfield-ii-ballistic-plex-e1-4-5x-14x42-mm-riflescope.html

[Blue XJ]

I like the Mark AR I have on mine. Bullet drop compensator makes it nice for adjusting for distance, no need to count clicks.

[hartofthethumb]

Thanks for all the replies guys!


http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home/New-Optics%7C/pc/105625080/c/112107780/Nikonreg-Monarch-3-Riflescope-with-Custom-XR-Turret/1595395.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fnew-optics%2F_%2FN-1106366%2B4294081309%2FNe-4294081309%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat112107780

I'm not a expert, just a suggestion.

I'll be going with this I think... Looked at the 4-16x50, and it seems like a boatload of scope for the money...

[JDG]

Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 5-15x40, perfect tracking, positive turret clicks, only downfall is AO

[chosos]

Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 5-15x40, perfect tracking, positive turret clicks, only downfall is AO

I'm a huge fan of the bushnell elite series with the rainguard coating. You should also be able to get the firefly reticle for about the same price as that nikon monarch. Just more options.
$300 for 3-9x. Not sure what the 4-16 runs.

[hartofthethumb]

I picked up the Nikons last week. I was just leaving the thread open to opinions for anyone who might reference it in the future, since I couldn't find much when I searched before starting this.

Just so some know, I am no longer shopping, and I definitely was never looking for PM solicitations trying to sell me your scopes...

Just sayin'

[Draken]

Let us know how you like the Nikon!

[hartofthethumb]

Let us know how you like the Nikon!

Sure will, but it may be a while before the rifles get built. I'm building a matched pair with my bro, he has half the parts and I have the other half. The scopes were the last parts I had to grab, but one of us has to find time to make a trip so we can build. Might not happen until winter sometime...

[fr3db3ar]

I love the Nikons on my guns. But then again I'm a fan of side focus.

[JK001]

Just picked one of these a couple of weeks ago: http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-4-16x50-riflescope-with-ebr-1-moa-reticle/reticle

Sighted it in but haven't stretched its legs yet.

[quigleyman]

Congrats on the nikon, I'm sure you'll be pleased. I just picked up a weaver 3-10x40 grand slam tactical in MIL/MIL from midway for $269. I'm liking it so far. Very bright and clear. I haven't shot long distances with it yet.

[langenc]

Buy once, cry once. Buy twice, cry twice. An extra xxx$ aint easy to do but I have scopes that are 40 yrs old. How does the cost feel if spread over 40 yrs.. REemember Leupolds are good for LIFE. Weavers you need to be the orig owner w/ orig sales reciept. Im not picking on Weaver I just know their policy. I dont know other scope makers policies.. Might be interesting to check that in addn to the other factors that we all check in making comparisons before a purchase is made.

[32_d3gr33s]

I am tempted to pick one of these up.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/784269/bushnell-ar-optics-rifle-scope-45-18x-40mm-side-focus-drop-zone-223-bdc-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding

i have one of these right now
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/238404/bushnell-ar-optics-rifle-scope-3-12x-40mm-side-focus-drop-zone-223-bdc-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Ive shot a few thousand rounds with it and its been a great scope so far. I easily can hit a 6" target at 250 yards, but havent really tried longer distances yet. Im tossing around the idea of building another upper and would like a little more powerful scope to go with it...

[Rootsy]

No vote for any of the SWFA Super Sniper optics?